Dr. James Michael Cockrell

Dr. James Michael Cockrell, known as Mike (or Spike aka Spike Dawg)

peacefully embarked on his journey beyond the horizon of life at the age of 63 in

Birmingham, Alabama, on Friday, May 17, 2024. Mike is preceded in death by his

parents, James Wallace Cockrell and Sherry Pearson Cockrell. He is survived by his

wife, Stephanie Kyle Cockrell; his three children, Carson James Cockrell, Bailey

Cockrell Petrie (Shane), and James Michael Cockrell II, known as Cage. He is also

survived by his brother, Timothy Lee Cockrell (Chrissy), and his nieces and nephew.

Mike was an incredibly warm and lovable man with a heart of gold and an

ineffable sense of humor. Mike loved helping those in need and never missed an

opportunity to lighten the mood with a dad joke. Mike was an avid golfer, serving as a

pillar in the "Tuesday Tour" with his closest pals for over 30 years. Mike was also an

unparalleled Alabama fan. As a member of the Red Elephant Club, Mike was steadfast

in his commitment to weekend pilgrimages to Tuscaloosa for gamedays. Mike enjoyed

bowling with his children, Monday Night football with his wife and friends, and getting a

killer tan at the beach.

Dr. Cockrell, a universally revered sports medicine specialist, graduated from the

University of South Alabama with a bachelor's degree in biology and received his

medical degree from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine in Mobile,

Alabama. Dr. Cockrell completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of

South Alabama Medical Center. He also completed his fellowship training in sports

medicine with Dr. John Garrett at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Cockrell

was board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and was a fellow of

the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. He specialized in disorders of the knee

and shoulder. He was a member of The American Medical Association, The Medical

Society of Mobile County, and the Arthroscopy Association of North America.

Additionally, he was also a clinical associate professor in the Department of

Orthopaedics at the University of South Alabama. Dr. Cockrell served as the football

team physician for both St. Paul's Episcopal School and Mary G. Montgomery (his alma

mater) spending most Friday nights on the sidelines. Dr. Cockrell also served as a

Mobile Police Department volunteer surgeon for over 30 years.

Visitation will be open to the public Wednesday, May 22 from 5PM to 7PM and

Thursday, May 23 from 11AM to noon with a graveside funeral service to follow at

Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Tillman's Corner. Mike will be eternally missed

by all who were fortunate enough to cross his path. His legacy will live on well beyond

his time on earth. As in life and so in death, he will always ride with the Tide, ROLL

TIDE ROLL!